Michigan State University is set to face East Carolina University tomorrow and will meet North Carolina on Thanksgiving Day in the Ft. Myers Classic. The Spartans head into the tournament with an unblemished 5-0 record, showcasing standout victories over Arkansas at home and Kentucky during the prestigious Champions Classic. Most recently, Michigan State secured a decisive 84-56 victory against Detroit Mercy.
Despite earlier criticisms from coach Tom Izzo regarding a lackluster second half against San Jose State—a game wedged between their matches against Arkansas and Kentucky—the Spartans are heavily relying on their four captains this season. Jeremy Fears, Jaxon Kohler, Coen Carr, and Carson Cooper have taken center stage, each consistently averaging over 20 minutes of playtime in the early weeks. Freshman Jordan Scott follows closely with an average of 17.5 minutes, while Cam Ward and transfer Trey Fort both contribute approximately 16 minutes per game. Redshirt freshman Jesse McCulloch is seeking more playing time after showing promise against Kentucky and Detroit, though his current average stands at eight minutes per game.
All four captains are scoring in double figures, with Kohler leading the group at 14 points per game. Fears, who had a career-high 18 points against Detroit Mercy, is averaging 12.8 points, while Carr and Cooper share an average of 12 points each. Collectively, the Spartans rank 11th nationally with nearly 21 assists per game, and Fears is at the top of the nation with an impressive 10.4 assists per game.
Despite their success, Michigan State has struggled with three-point shooting, making only 24% of their attempts but maintaining a solid overall shooting percentage of 44%. Their long-standing priorities of defense and rebounding remain effective, as opponents are shooting just 40% overall and 30% from three-point range, with the Spartans out-rebounding their rivals by nearly 16 boards per game—ranking eighth in the nation.
Looking ahead, East Carolina enters the matchup with a 2-3 record, having secured narrow victories over Georgia Southern and Elizabeth City State, while suffering losses to Richmond, UNC Wilmington, and a recent defeat against Charleston Southern. Leading the Pirates, senior guard Jordan Riley averages 18.5 points per game, while center Giovanni Emejuru, a transfer from George Mason, adds nearly a double-double with 17 points and 9.8 rebounds.
The Pirates also face shooting difficulties from beyond the arc, currently hitting just under 21% of their three-point attempts and allowing opponents nearly 40% shooting from three. This opens a potential opportunity for the Spartans to regain their shooting touch.
Following East Carolina, Michigan State will challenge North Carolina, who boasts a 5-0 record and will first play St. Bonaventure before their Thanksgiving showdown. The Tar Heels, led by freshman Caleb Wilson with an impressive average of 20.6 points and 10 rebounds per game, also feature a tall lineup with notable players like Henri Veesaar and Jarin Stevenson making significant contributions.
With strong rebounding capabilities and solid defense, North Carolina is limiting opponents to 63 points per game while executing a 48% shooting rate from the field. The matchup between Michigan State and North Carolina promises to be competitive, particularly with the capacity to out-rebound their opponents being vital in this early-season clash.
As the Spartans look to continue their winning streak against East Carolina and prepare for North Carolina, fans are hopeful for a thrilling tournament showcasing high-stakes basketball. This tournament is not only a test of skill but also an early glimpse into the potential road ahead for both Michigan State and North Carolina as they aim for future success in the season.